First cruise ship arrives at Bayport terminal

The Caribbean Princess arrives at the Bayport Cruise Terminal in Pasadena on Tuesday, November 5, 2013

November 5, 2013 8:07:10 AM PST

HOUSTON --

The first cruise ship has arrived at a Houston-area terminal that was completed in 2011 but never offered trips until now.

The Port of Houston Authority last November announced the planned service from the Bayport Cruise Terminal in Pasadena.

Officials say the Caribbean Princess arrived Tuesday. The vessel, which is part of the Princess Cruises fleet, will offer western Caribbean voyages.

About 2,000 passengers are scheduled to embark on Princess Cruises' first-ever "Cruising for a Cause," on a voyage honoring US veterans and raising money for two veterans' organizations - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Inc. and Operation Homefront Inc.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also agreed to start service from the terminal with western Caribbean trips next year using the Norwegian Jewel.

The Port of Houston Authority says that together, both cruise lines are expected to deliver more than 400,000 passengers over the next four years, bringing 200 jobs to the area and increased economic impact.